Epilogue:

      Just yesterday, a large mushroom-shaped cloud rose from the Venetian surface. Today, what was once the Vesta University Research Building, was now a fallout zone. Kaz took some comfort in the fact that all other personnel had been removed from the building until the end of exofleet's stay. But it still didn't erase the sense of loss he felt for two old friends and a close facsimile of a third. They had examined the blast site thoroughly and found no trace of survivors. Not that there would have been, Cy and the others were so close to the epicenter of the blast that they would have been vaporized in an instant. Kaz took another small measure of comfort in the fact that they probably never knew what hit them. But it didn't make what he was about to do any easier. Hallas was a wreak, though he tried his best not to show it in front of the squad. The others were also shaken by Shanita's death, but for understandable reasons, Hallas took it harder. Sterling's death also created a void, particularly with Stan and Sue. They had known him longer than anyone else, even Nara. Nara. thought Kaz. Cy's death would be something of a news item, and so Kaz aimed to get to her before the press could. I'll need a drink after this, several drinks.

      "Greetings, Lt. Takagi." said Mandy. She was looking cheerful sitting behind her desk, a stark contrast to Kaz's very long face. "I need to see Nara, immediately." was all Kaz said. He seemed to choke on the words. Mandy immediately picked up on the severity of the situation, not allowing herself to act like the usual bumbling idiot she became around Kaz. "Go right in." Kaz opened the door, entered the office, and closed it behind him. Nara looked unemotional from behind her desk. Kaz started to talk but Nara silenced him with a raise of her right hand. "You're here about the explosion at Vesta?" asked Nara calmly. "Yes." replied Kaz. The expression on his face told Nara everything she needed to know. She rested her elbows on her desk and cupped her face in her hands. As she gently shook her head back and forth, Kaz could hear her begin to cry as she said the same words over and over again "Not Cy, please no." Kaz came around to Nara's side of the desk and took her into his arms. Her head resting on his shoulder, Kaz whispered, "Just let it all out." The sobbing could easily be heard from Mandy's office. She shut off her computer, folded her hands, and said a silent prayer. She couldn't think of anything else that seemed appropriate.

      Outside on the Burns Plantation grounds, Sue Worthington sat watching the horizon. To her left, she could hear Stan Remes approaching. He stopped at the bench resting one foot on it. "Look Sue, I'm sorry about what I said..." "Shut up, Stan." interjected Sue, "Just shut up and hold me." Stan sat himself down next to her. He brought his arm around her, grasping her right shoulder. He drew her close, resting the side of his head on top of hers. The sun was setting on Venus. Bringing with it, the end of the day and of the life they knew in the company of two very special friends.

End Part 1

Note from the author:
      I must admit, it was difficult to come up with a suitable sequel to T. E. I. But here it is, and I hope people enjoy it. By now, you should know the drill. Drop me a line via e-mail and let me know that someone out in cyberspace is reading this. -J.P.